05-19-2013, 04:59 AM
I think all my best answers have been covered. I very often extend invites to folks that "want to go" but then don't. Not gonna let that stop me. I hate to keep someone else waiting, "always late but worth the wait" - don't know that the latter holds water, but . . . all the same.
I've enjoyed taking others out, have enjoyed meeting up with others for adventures, and new experiences.
If I go it alone, I'm never late, never stay too long. I think some of my most favored trips will remain outings with Ben, but we'd each take our own flat-bottom. Might not meet at the launch, but very often crossed paths, even when not planned. But being able to toodle around, yet make our own choices - works. I'll miss having that guy around - once of the most 'go getter' anglers I've ever met.
He could chase carp with a bow, while I bobbered down on big kitties. I'd fill a stringer full of perch while he hunted musky, yet - having a bud to help net and photograph a trophy - that was a treat.
Getting together with a crew, sharing stories, tips on gadgets and tactics. Having an overnight campout on an island in the middle of a river - it's good, good memories, fun stories. But as others have said - the unwind, the mental exploration, being able to fish how you want where you want when you want.
I'll admit to having failed with my boy - shorter trips, outings more about him that "catching" would have served me better. He still likes the ice (ok, snacks and snoozes in the tent!), but love having a willing pack-mule who enjoys pulling a sled. It's still good.
I truly need to get him on a big fish - a big cat, a musky, or a laker. Even a toad Golden Tarpon! He has yet to feel the reel spool out as a fish takes line and runs. That is a joy that just makes me laugh. I do want to share that.
I just know I enjoy my angling time enough, that if it's 20 minutes on the river on the way home, I'll take it. Often I've met folks while out, and made some regular friends I might not encounter otherwise. There's always something to learn and share. I dig that.
I'll admit though - even the solo trips, I feel like I'm not alone if I can bring the trip back and share it with my fellow BFTers. Call it vanity if you will, I see it as comradel\ry with thems I figure might appreciate it.
I've enjoyed taking others out, have enjoyed meeting up with others for adventures, and new experiences.
If I go it alone, I'm never late, never stay too long. I think some of my most favored trips will remain outings with Ben, but we'd each take our own flat-bottom. Might not meet at the launch, but very often crossed paths, even when not planned. But being able to toodle around, yet make our own choices - works. I'll miss having that guy around - once of the most 'go getter' anglers I've ever met.
He could chase carp with a bow, while I bobbered down on big kitties. I'd fill a stringer full of perch while he hunted musky, yet - having a bud to help net and photograph a trophy - that was a treat.
Getting together with a crew, sharing stories, tips on gadgets and tactics. Having an overnight campout on an island in the middle of a river - it's good, good memories, fun stories. But as others have said - the unwind, the mental exploration, being able to fish how you want where you want when you want.
I'll admit to having failed with my boy - shorter trips, outings more about him that "catching" would have served me better. He still likes the ice (ok, snacks and snoozes in the tent!), but love having a willing pack-mule who enjoys pulling a sled. It's still good.
I truly need to get him on a big fish - a big cat, a musky, or a laker. Even a toad Golden Tarpon! He has yet to feel the reel spool out as a fish takes line and runs. That is a joy that just makes me laugh. I do want to share that.
I just know I enjoy my angling time enough, that if it's 20 minutes on the river on the way home, I'll take it. Often I've met folks while out, and made some regular friends I might not encounter otherwise. There's always something to learn and share. I dig that.
I'll admit though - even the solo trips, I feel like I'm not alone if I can bring the trip back and share it with my fellow BFTers. Call it vanity if you will, I see it as comradel\ry with thems I figure might appreciate it.